Gathering experts from the expanse of industries, committees and subcommittees develop standards through the voluntary consensus process. One such subcommittee, ANSC C63 SC 6, is working to develop a new guidance document for the calibration of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test equipment, C63.34. In a notable development, they have written a definition for characterization in the field of EMC. 

What Is ANSC 63 SC 6? 

The Accreditation/Conformity Assessment Subcommittee 6 of American National Standards Committee (ANSC) C63 on electromagnetic compatibility develops definitions and methods of measurement of electromagnetic noise and signal strengths (radiated and conducted), determination of levels of signal strength, levels of unwanted sources, limiting ratio of noise (and/or unwanted sources) to signals and development of methods of control of, and guidelines for influence, coupling and immunity. Where subjects dealt with overlap with those of other national committees, appropriate liaison will be established. 

Subcommittee (SC) 6 provides guidance for C63 related conformity assessment activities and works on topics related to accreditation. Representatives of accreditation bodies, certification bodies, laboratories, and regulators report on the status of C63 related conformity assessment activities. 

Definition for Characterization in the Calibration of EMC Test Equipment 

This subcommittee is developing a guidance document, C63.34 for the calibration of EMC test equipment. The work on this document is nearing completion, and SC 6 recently developed a definition for characterization. 

characterization: A traceable measurement of a system or instrument according to a documented procedure whereby traceability and uncertainty of measurement can be established or confirmed to determine fitness for purpose in testing activities. 

Note 1. This may be used to establish a(an) initial value(s) by which the measurement system or instrument will be compared during subsequent measurements. 

Note 2. The resultant data will be documented and metrologically traceable with uncertainty(ies) of measurement so that subsequent testing operations are metrologically traceable. 

This definition, once accepted by the subcommittee and the main committee will also be published in C63.14 American National Standard Dictionary of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) including Electromagnetic Field Effects (E3).